Lares Trek Expedition
Lares Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights: Cultural Route to Machu Picchu
Discover the magic of Cusco in one day: adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await you
This exciting expedition from Lares to Machu Picchu lasts four days and offers a magical experience you’ll never forget. It’s an excellent option for those who want to avoid the crowds, enjoy unique alpine trails, and see incredible pristine scenery in good company.
We will explore:
- Cusco – Calca – Lares Thermal Springs
- Cuncani – Willkikasa Pass – Quiswarani Local Community
- Qoyalay Lagoon – Pachacutec Mountain Pass
- Cancha Cancha Valley & Huaran Trails
- Maras Salt Mines & Ollantaytambo Fortress
- Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu Citadel
Features:
4 Days / 3 Nights
USD 599
4,700 m (15,000 ft)
2,400 m (7,500 ft)
Max 12 people
Cusco
Machu Picchu / Cusco
Tourist Vehicles & Train
Moderate
Campsites & Hotel
You’ll find rushing rivers, high alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains along the way. This route is the perfect choice if you’re interested in living Andean culture, as you can see several rural villages where sheep, llamas, and alpacas are raised up close.
Highlights
- Enjoy one of the best cultural ways to visit the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
- Avoid the crowds on an exceptional tour, taking in the absolute peace and tranquility of nature.
- Relax and soothe your muscles at the Lares Medicinal Hot Springs before starting your hike.
- Immerse yourself in the local culture as you spend time with rural Andean communities and learn about their textile traditions.
- Visit the stunning and unique Maras Salt Mines nestled within the Sacred Valley.
- Complete this epic journey by visiting Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why you’ll love this trip
- Our classic Lares Trek is the perfect choice for those who want to escape mainstream crowds, trek through stunning scenery, and experience Andean rural life firsthand.
- The trail is challenging but highly rewarding, offering views of teardrop-shaped pools in a variety of vibrant colors.
- We’ll stop in several small communities to share special moments with residents and experience the authentic rhythm of their daily activities.
- Your trek concludes with a guided exploration of the secrets and awe-inspiring energy of the Modern Wonder, Machu Picchu.
Summary
Day 1 | Cusco – Calca – Lares Hot Springs – Cuncani – Willkikasa – Quiswarani
Let’s begin our trek by visiting the Lares Hot Springs. Relax at Pacchayoc Waterfall before arriving at our campsite in the community of Quiswarani, where you will spend the night.
Day 2 | Quiswarani – Qoyalay Lagoon – Pachacutec Pass – Cancha Cancha
Hike to the highest point of the Pachacutec Pass before arriving at our valley campsite in Cancha Cancha. Spend time with local families and learn about their traditions and customs.
Day 3 | Cancha Cancha – Huaran – Maras Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Visit the unique Maras Salt Mines after hiking down to Huaran in the morning. Enjoy dinner in Ollantaytambo and end the day by taking the expedition train to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 4 | Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Sanctuary – Return to Cusco
After exploring the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu with your expert guide, take the return train to Ollantaytambo. Our shuttle will then transfer you privately back to your hotel in Cusco.
Full description
A Rest Before the Adventure
We’ll pick you up early to begin our expedition toward the Sacred Valley area. After our stop in Calca, we’ll continue towards the Lares Hot Springs. Before our transport takes you to the start of the trek in Cuncani, you’ll have ample time to relax in the restorative medicinal waters. We’ll visit the nearby Pacchayoc Waterfall and enjoy lunch there.
We’ll hike up to the Willkikasa Pass in the afternoon, where we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of surrounding peaks. Then we’ll descend to our first campsite in Quiswarani. Before dinner and returning to camp to rest, you’ll meet local families and see how they live in this remote alpine region.
▪ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
▪ Accommodation: Campsite
▪ Difficulty: Moderate
A Day Filled with Beautiful Views and Local Andean Culture
We’ll wake you up early with a hot drink to continue our trek. Early in the morning, we’ll ascend to Abra Pachacutec, the highest point on the entire route, to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over glaciated valleys. Then we’ll head down to our scenic lunch spot.
After that, we’ll continue hiking for another two hours until we reach our camp position at Cancha Cancha. We’ll see the local artisans weaving their intricate textiles, spend some time with the friendly locals, and gather for dinner and bedtime.
▪ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
▪ Accommodation: Campsite
▪ Difficulty: Challenging
Immerse Yourself in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Enjoy the final part of your mountain trek in the morning as you walk through beautiful landscapes down toward the lush Sacred Valley. Our path arrives in Huaran, where we’ll enjoy lunch and say goodbye to our team of muleteers and cooks.
We’ll take you to the stunning Maras Salt Mines in the afternoon to see the thousands of historic hand-harvested pans, before heading to the charming town of Ollantaytambo. We’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before boarding the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, the base town of Machu Picchu, where we’ll spend the night in a hotel room.
▪ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
▪ Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
▪ Difficulty: Moderate
Machu Picchu, the Wonder of the World
The time has finally come to visit Machu Picchu, the wonder of the world. Today you’ll wake up early to beat the crowds and enjoy an immersive two-hour guided tour of the fascinating sectors of this mystical Inca site. If you purchased your tickets in advance, you’ll have time for an optional hike up one of the additional mountains.
Around midday, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch at a restaurant of your choice. Afterwards, we’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, from where we’ll transfer you privately back to your accommodation in Cusco, arriving around 6:00 p.m.
▪ Meals: Breakfast
▪ Difficulty: Easy
▪ Accommodation: Not Included
Includes
- Pre-departure briefing
- Experienced and certified professional tour guide
- Private high-quality camping equipment
- Complimentary duffel bag for personal items
- First aid kit including emergency medical oxygen
- Satellite phone communication support
- Comfortable hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes on Night 3
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners prepared by our chef
- Daily morning wake-up tea and afternoon happy hour sessions
- Nutritious snacks along the way every day inside a reusable bag
- Exclusive group transportation throughout the itinerary
- Round-trip tourist train ticket between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
- Consettur bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Pack horses to carry camping gear and personal duffel bags
- Entrance tickets to Lares Hot Springs, Maras Salt Mines, and Machu Picchu citadel
Not included
- Personal equipment rentals (Sleeping bag, Trekking poles)
- Optional entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain peaks ($60.00 USD)
- Lunch on Day 4 in Aguas Calientes and dinner in Cusco
- Personal hiking clothing and travel insurance
- Tips or gratuities for the guiding, cooking, and horseman crew
What should I pack?
- Original valid passport
- Extra cash recommended in local currency (Soles)
- Personal medications and small travel first aid items
- Water bottle or hydration packs
- Sunscreen SPF 70+ and insect repellent
- Sturdy hiking boots (preferably waterproof) along with camp shoes or sandals
- Trekking pants, thermal base layers, and multiple pairs of hiking socks
- Long-sleeved shirts, thermal fleece jacket, and a reliable waterproof jacket or poncho
- Gloves, wide-brimmed sun hat, and a warm winter beanie
- Medium-sized hiking backpack (15 to 25 liters) for daily trail items
- Camera, external battery packs, and charging cables
- Swimsuit and a light towel for the Lares hot springs
Tour map
Gallery
